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A look back at our 60th year

2020 was a year like none others. ACRES celebrated a major milestone — our 60th birthday! — and, like the rest of the world, we adapted to pandemic life. This year, we protected more than 7,200 acres of natural and working lands, restoring habitats and removing invasive species. We also welcomed a record number of ...

  • 12/31/2020
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Herbarium provides a glimpse into the past

ACRES protects more than land. We also work to protect the history of our land donors. Their stories and artifacts provide a glimpse into the past, an explanation of who they were and how they cared for and loved the land before ACRES. Join local journalist Kevin Kilbane as he uncovers the story of a ...

  • 12/16/2020
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Virtual tour of ACRES first Michigan property

ACRES newest trail system opened to the public Nov. 21. Enjoy a virtual tour of our first Michigan property. ACRES Land Trust acquired Kauffman Nature Sanctuary for permanent protection in 2019. Located in rolling Hillsdale County, the 78-acre preserve features approximately 1.15 miles of trails that wind through meadow, restored wetlands and forest. Sedges, willows ...

  • 12/09/2020
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ACRES and Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo partner to track wildlife

Our friends at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo strive to make a difference for animals every day by participating in programs and initiatives to protect animals and their habitats. ACRES is excited to partner with the zoo to create and continue local conservation projects. Notice any weird wire towers while hiking at an ACRES preserve? ...

  • 12/02/2020
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Raising Our Standards: Quality over Quantity

The core of ACRES mission—to protect local land—drives everything we do. Protecting land is possible only when people participate by volunteering, donating and sharing ACRES with others. Because more people participating means more land protected and better cared for, our current strategic plan focuses on building capacity: increasing the number of people supporting this meaningful ...

  • 11/22/2020
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160-year-old barn finds new home

HUNTERTOWN – A 160-year-old barn in northwest Allen County is finding a new home in DeKalb County, where it will stand as a tribute to the area’s agricultural heritage. ACRES Land Trust acquired the barn as part of a bequest from the late Dr. Frederick Mackel. The land is part of the 34-acre Mackel Nature ...

  • 11/09/2020
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Mimicking Succession

ACRES protects more than natural areas. Working lands, such as agriculture fields in production, are also protected. ACRES currently protects about 500 acres of farmland, and some of this land will be restored to forest or wetland. This year, the ACRES Land Management team will use a different strategy to restore forest. A farm field ...

  • 11/04/2020
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Steuben County “environmental wonder” receives state designation

A dedication ceremony at Lee Family Perfect Lake Nature Preserve in Steuben County Oct. 10 celebrated the protected land’s new status as a state dedicated nature preserve. In 2016, land donors Federal Judge William Lee and his late wife, Judy, entrusted ACRES Land Trust with the 84-acre property with a promise to preserve the land ...

  • 10/13/2020
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ACRES Research: Endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

ACRES lets nature take its course on the preserves, with the exception of eradicating invasive species. Normally, an endangered or threatened species found on an ACRES property is recorded but not actively managed. This year ACRES is working to develop a management plan based solely around one specific, scaly species. Buzzing cicadas, croaking frogs and ...

  • 09/24/2020
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A Growing Community of People Who Care About Land

Membership has been a cornerstone of ACRES since we organized as an official nonprofit in 1960. It took five years to top 200 members; we hit 1,000 in 2004, and today, our membership has grown to nearly 1,800 individuals, families and businesses. We remain grateful to each and every one. Our 12 founders kicked things ...

  • 09/08/2020
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